Touristic Places of Nepal

Kathmandu Valley

The Kathmandu valley, the political, commercial cultural hub
of Nepal
is famed for its natural beauty and historic, holistic place. Once a separate
kingdom in itself, it contains three fabled cities, Kathmandu,
Patan & Bhaktapur. Each is an artistic exposition of graceful temples,
elegant palaces, brick paved courtyards and quaint streets. As a whole, the
valley is surrounded by tier upon tier of green mountain walls above which
tower mighty snow capped peaks. The valley is rich in places of pilgrimage for
both Hindus and Buddhists. Both of their deities well side by side by both
tantric symbolism and ancient animistic beliefs.

A very old Hindu text has described Kathmandu
as the land of gods surrounded by beautiful mountain around. It is said that
there were as many temples as there were house and many idols as there were
people. In fact Kathmandu boasts one of the
largest congregations of magnificent historical monuments and shrines ever
built.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Duly recognized as a world Heritage site by UNESCO this
particular area best known as Kathmandu
Durbar Square lies in the heart of this city. The
locals know this area by its old name "Hanuman Dhoka" Palace Square an
ancient seat of the Nepalese Royalty.

Hanuman Dhoka
Palace complex consists
of a huge Royal Square
exposing a tremendous variety of temples dedicated to different Hindus gods and
goddess. Most of the buildings we see here date from 15th to 18th century.

Swayambhunath Stupa

Three kilometer west of Kathmandu
city complex locates the one of the worlds most glorious Buddhist Stupa, it is
said to be 2000 years old. Visitors often call it "Monkey Temple".
The main structure brick and clay which supports a lofty conical spire capped
by a pinnacle of copper gilt. There are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha on
the four sides of spire. Being situated seventy meter above the level of
valley, the hill of Swayambhunath is a mosaic of small stupa and pagoda
temples. Aside, in front of the temple, one of the famous goddess with the
shrine of Ajima called "Harati Mata" is there. This temple of goddess
believes to be famous in the way of tantric. Both the stupa of Lord Buddha and
temple of a goddess are surrounded by other temples and Tibetan monasteries.
Being located in the top level of valley, this place is famous for visitors for
sightseeing.

Pasupatinath Temple

Pasupatinath temple being the temple of Lord Shiva
possessed its two-storied golden roof and silver doors and is famous for its
superb architecture. The temple is situated 5 kilometer east of Kathmandu
heart, on the banks of sacred Bagmati
River. Being one of the
most important Hindu temples, this is a center of annual pilgrimage. From time
immortal, the Pasupatinath area has contained numerous temples, stupa, monasteries,
images and inscriptions. Not only is the Pasupatinath area a pilgrimage site
for the Hindus and it is also an important cultural treasury for the whole
world. Only Hindus are permitted to enter from the main gate.

Bouddhanath Stupa

One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever
built in Nepal,
Bouddhanath is an imposing structure standing some 36 meters. The Stupa stands
on the massive three level Mandala style platform surrounded by colorful
private family houses. The basic feature of this great stupa is very much like
those of Swayambhunath stupa except its finial displaying. It is much bigger
than Swayambhunath Stupa and lies on the valley floor where s former one stands
on the hilltop. This stupa is said to have been built in 5th century AD.

Patan Durbar Square

Patan located on lovely little plateau across the Bagmati is
only 7-k.m southeast of Kathmandu. This city
roughly inhabited by some 125000 people in considered oldest of all three cities of Kathmandu
valley. This city founded in 3rd century AD. By King Veera Dev has a finest
Newar crafts since time immemorial. Meaning the city of fine arts has hundreds
of fascinating Hindu and Buddhist monuments scattered in and around. The most
important monument area of course is Patan
Durbar Square. Recognized by UNESCO as a world
heritage site. The Square has been described as one of the most picturesque
collection of buildings that have been set up so small a place by the piety of
oriental man. Most of the monuments in this square date back to the medieval
Malla period 15th to 17th century as the golden period of Nepalese art and
architecture. The important things to be seen in this area include the Golden
Gate and the Golden Window of the old Palace, the beautiful piece of
traditional metal crafts, the famed Krishna
temple with 21 golden pinnacles, the Royal bath of Sundari chowk, a perfect
piece of the classic work in stone. Royal Taleju temple, Viswa Nath Temple and
Char Narayan temple are the finest examples of the unique craftsmanship in wood;
the temple of Bhimsen with the magnificent golden balcony overlooking the
square outside plus many other shrines and sculptures scattered in and around
the square.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Situated at an altitude of 1401 meter above sea level
Bhaktapur only is a very unique old town. This city divided into 24 traditional
locality covers an area of 5 square kilometers. Founded by King Anand Dev in
889 AD Bhakatapur is said to have been built in the shape of conch shell a
sacred symbol of Lord Vishnu. The word Bhaktapur means the city of devotees.
Before the unification of Nepal,
Bhaktapur was an independent principality ruled by the Malla Kings, who were
very much devoted to religion, culture and art. During the period many
magnificent temples and mansions were built. This period is remembered as
golden period in the Nepalese art and remains a unique example.

Changu Narayan
Temple

The temple of Changu Narayan situated on the hillock of Dolagiri to
the north of Bhaktapur is one of the oldest temples in Nepal. Situated at an altitude of
5000ft. This temple has its distinct historical and architectural significance.
The most authentic and oldest ever inscription is located in the precinct of
Changu Narayan. The oldest inscription dated 464 AD is a credited to have been
set up by Lichchshavi King Manadeva. The erection of Garuda Piller by Manadeva
is expression of his devotion and reverence to Chang Narayan as learnt from the
inscription, points that the temple
of Changu Narayan was
built sometime before 464 AD

KIRTIPUR:

It is a small town, eight kilometers southwest of Kathmandu, on the top off a hill. Tribhuwan University
is located at the foot of the hill. This historic town has many things to see
such as old shrines and temples, old houses, and people dressed in traditional
costume while working on ancient looms.

CHOBHAR:

It is situated nine kilometers southwest of Kathmandu. This place is famous of its gorge. All the
waters of the Valley drain though it. Legends says that the god Manjushree cut
the gorge to drain out Kathmandu
Valley which was then a
lake. There is a small but pictusque temple
of Adinath on the top of
a hill. From this point, one has a complete view of snow-capped mountain peaks.
Just beyond the Chobhar Gorge. There is the 17th-century temple of Jal Vinayak.
The main image of the temple is on a massive rock. Only a small part in front
vaguely resembles an elephant's head. The image at Jal Vinayak is different
from other images of Lord Ganesh.

Shrine of Shekha Narayan is situated between Chobhar and
Dakshinkali which represents one of the four Narayans of the Kathmandu Valley.
The shrine stands on a hillock beneath a stalactite rock. At the base of Shekha
Narayan is a pond with several verities of fish.

Dakshinkali :

The temple
of Dakshinkali is
situated about two kilometers south of Shekha Narayan. Dakshinkali is an
important place of pilgrimage, drawing over 400,000 pilgrims a year. Pilgrim
visit this temple to offer prayers and animal sacrifices to the Goddess Kali.
Apart from the religious aspects, the site has also been developed as a popular
picnic spot.

Nagarkot

There are various places around the edge of the Kathmandu Valley which offer great mountain
views, but the resort village of Nagarkot is generally held to be the best mountain
watchers make their way up to the village, stay overnight in one of Nagarkot's
lodges or hotels than rise at dawn to see the sun appear over the Himalayas.

Nagarkot is popular tourist resort of Nepal. It is
situated 32 Kilometers east of Kathmandu at an
altitude of 2175m. above the sea level. The panorama of the major peaks of
eastern Nepal Himalayas including Mt.
Everest can be seen from
here. Himalayan peaks like Manaslu (8463m) Ganesh Himal (7111m) Langtang
(7246m) Gaurishanker (7134m) can also clearly seen from Nagarkot. A motor able
road links Nagarkot with Bhaktapur.

Manakamana Temple

Goddess Manakamana is highly noted as a wishful filling
goddess through out the country. The holy temple of goddess Manakamana lies on
a beautiful ridge west of Kathmandu valley. It
is said that she is the younger sister of goddess Kali. She is regarded to be a
very sacred goddess. The temple is important from the historical and
archeological point of view. It is a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Manakamana is four hours walk up hill from the highway. On the occasion of
Visit Nepal Year 1998, the cable cars have been plied from Kurintar Village,
Chitwan to the hill of Manakamana, which takes only 8 minutes to reach there.

Daman

Daman is situated 80 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu at an altitude of about 2,400m. Daman is
located on the Tribhuvan Highway
in between Kathmandu and the town of Birgunj.
For the view of breathtaking grandeur of the world's highest peaks extending in
one glittering are from far-west of Dhaulagiri to far-east of Mt. Everest there
is no better place than Daman. There is a view tower fitted with long range
telescopes. Daman can be reached in four hours drive from Kathmandu.

Pokhara:

Pokhara valley is situated at an altitude of 827 meters
above the sea level and is 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu
valley. Prithivi Raj Marga is the highway linked with by Bhairahawa by
Siddhartha Raj Marga [Sunauli border] It is a combination of the long arrays of
world famous snow clad peaks, emerald lakes, turbulent rivers with deep Georges
and picturesque villages inhabited by Magar, Gurungs and Thakalis. Pokhara
offers the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri,
Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna Himalayas and others. Pokhara
numerous lakes known as "Tal" in Nepal offer fishing, boating and
swimming, which ensure the famous Phewa, Begnas and Rupa lakes of Pokhara.
Pokhara is also referred as the center of adventure. It is the starting point
for most of the popular trekking & rafting destination. The serenity of
Phewa lake and the magnificence of Machhapuchhare [6,977m] rising behind it,
creates an ambiance of peace and magic

Phewa lake is
situated at an altitude of 784m above sea level with an island temple at the
middle of the lake. It is second largest lake in the kingdom. Temple situated at the island is the two storied pagoda dedicated to the
boar magnification of Ajima. The reflection of Mt. Machhapuchhare &
Annapurna can be seen in its serene water. Thick forest lies on the adjoining
southern slopes of the lake.

Begnas & Rupa Lake:

Lies in the north-east of the Pokhara valley at the distance
of 13kms from the main city. These lakes are locates at the foothill of Begnas,
mountain and are separated by the Pachabiya hill.

Seti River Gorges carved
by Seti-Gandaki is one of the natural wonder of Pokhara. K.I. Singh bridge at
Bagar, Mahendrapool & Prithivi highway Bridge near bus park, provides a
perfect view of the river's dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by the
turbulent flow of white water.

Davi's fall locally
known Patale Chhango in the southern flank of the Pokhara valley is where the
stream flowing from Fewa lake collapses and surges down the rock into a deep
gage, leaping through several potholes.

Mahendra cave
lies at the north of the Pokhara valley.
It is a large limestone cave which is one
of the few stalagmites stalactite caves found in Nepal.

Tibetan Village Tashiling in the south and Tashii Palkhel in
the north of Pokhara valley is the two Tibetan village which is inhabitant by
the Tibetan people who keeps themselves busy by producing and trading woolen
carpets and other handicrafts.

Museum:

One museum display the life styles and history of the
Gurungs, Thakalis and Tharu and other one Natural history museum and is
functioned by the Annapurna Conservation area project. Butterflies, insects,
birds and wild life found in the Annapurna
region.

Mountains Views:

Spectacular Panorama of the Annapurna
range forms the backdrop of Pokhara valley. The mountains stretching from east
to west includes Annapurna I to IV. It lies at
the distance of 40kms from the valley and at the elevation of 900m. Among these
Annapurna. Annapurna
I (8.091m high is the highest peak. Mt.
Machhapuchhare with its
pyramid shape dominated all the other neighboring Peaks. The other peaks are Mt. Dhaulagiri
8167m, Lamjung Himal 6983m and Manaslu 8163m and Himalchuli.

Barahi Temple:

This is the most important religious monument in Pokhara.
Built almost in the middle of Phewa
Lake, this two-storied pagoda
is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protectors deity
representing the female force Shakti. Devotees can be seen, especially on
Saturday, carrying male animals and fowl across the lake to be sacrificed to
the deity.

World Peace Pagoda
a massive Buddhist Stupa, is situated on top of a hill on the southern shore of
Phewa Lake. Besides being an impressive sight
in itself, the shrine is a great vantage point which offers spectacular views
of the Annapurna range and Pokhara city. You
can get there by crossing the lake by boat and then hiking up the hill.

Bindhyabasini Templeis the center of religious activity
in the old bazaar. It is dedicated to
Goddess Bhagawati, yet another manifestation of Shakti. The park like grounds
offer a fine picnic area, and on Saturday and Tuesday when devotees flock there
to offer sacrifices, take on a festival local flavor.

Pony treks are becoming more popular by the day. With a
landscape varying from the even lakeside to small hills with the most famous view
in the country. Pokhara provides a magnificent opportunity for sightseeing on
horseback.

LUMBINI:

Lumbini is the birth place of Lord Buddha, the apostle of
peace and compassion. It is 21 km west of Bhairahawa and 285 km south-west of Kathmandu. It is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhist as
well as place of reverence for peace lovers of any religious faith throughout
the world. In Lumbini the central attraction is the sacred garden with Maya
Devi temple depicting the birth of Lord Buddha, Ashoka Pillar pinpointing the
birth place of Buddha and Shakya Tank where Maya Devi, the mother of Lord
Buddha, is supposed to have taken a dip before bringing forth the baby - Lord
Buddha. Around this holy site, there are remnants of Monasteries and Chaityas
built over the centuries following Buddha's birth in 632 BC.

The work is underway at Lumbini to transform three square
miles of flat, empty land into an expression of Buddha's peace and compassion
creating a sculpted landscape to make the teaching of Lord Buddha accessible to
all humanities. The project area designed on a north-south axis encompasses
three zone each covering one square mile. The Lumbini village lies as a gateway
to the outer world. The second zone, on either side of a canal and walkway will
be developed into a monastic enclave where nations, institutions and
organization can build places of worship that reflect varying religious ideals
and styles. A meditation center will be the highlight of this zone. The third
and most important zone is the sacred garden itself where the beauty of its
plant life will be restored to create a reverent atmosphere in which one can
experience Buddha's universal message.

Tansen

Tansen is a bright Himalayan town situated on the slopes of
a hill called Shreenagar Danda. Situated at an altitude of 1343meter above sea
level. Tansen is the most popular summer resort in western Nepal on
account of its position and climate. It has perhaps Nepal's
most far stretching views of the country's chief attraction the Himalayas, from
Dhaulagiri in the west to Gaurishanker in the
northeast. From Shreenagar Danda one can have the views of sweeping Tinau river
valley below and the surrounding Mahabharat hills including Terai's flat lands
to the far south. Tansen is the headquarter of Palpa District

KAKANI:

Kakani is located 29 km north-west of Kathmandu at an
altitude of 1982 m above sea level and is famous for the magnificent view over Kathmandu Valley
and the north-western Himalayas ranges against
the vastness of the sky. The fabulous area of Kakani features attractions
ranging from beautiful alpine scenery to the magnificent Himalayan Panorama
particularly the Ganesh Himal massif. A close view of the other peak of Himalayas which can be seen from here
are Gaurishanker (7134 in), Choba Bhamte (6016 in), Dorje

Lakpa, Manaslu (8163 in), Himalchuli (7893 in), Annapurna (8091 m) and the other several peaks. A
majestic view of the sunset can also be seen from this place. A trip to Kakani
along the beautiful highway of Trishuli
Road, is scenically rewarding with green forest
and mountains grandeur in one direction and fertile river flats and terraces
cultivation on the other. This road begins from Balaju and terminates at Kaule
from where the road bifurcates.

DHULIKHEL:

Dhulikhel is an ancient town located at 30 km east of
Kathmandu along the Kathmandu - Kodari or Arniko Highway (way to Tibet) is
famous for its scenic beauty and tradition - a lovely place. From this place,
one can have a complete panoramic view of the snowy ranges of Annapurna
range, Langtang, Choba Bhamre, Gaurishanker, Number Karyolung etc. From here
one has a good view of the sunrise.

NAMO BUDDHA

This Namo Buddha is situated on a hill above Panauti
and requires either drive or good hike,
walk is recommended to visit this place. There is an amazing story concerning
Buddha being commemorated by an ancient stone slab and a stupa with the all
seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is an ideal place for in meditation. Monsoon
i.e. May, June & July are not recommended. About two and a half hours north
of Dhulikhel on foot, the stupa rest on a red-earth ledge near the tops of
jungle ridge. During February-March pilgrimage season, Tibetans and Bhotias
arrive by the vanload to circumambulate it. Among the houses surrounding the
stupa is a dinky Tamang 'Gompa' when you can enter.

A trial leads up to a bigger Tibetan gompa on top of the
prayer flag festooned ridge behind and in one of the out buildings is preserved
a famous stone relief sculpture depicting the legend of Namo Buddha. According
to the fable Buddha, in on of his previous lives as a hunter, encountered a
starving tigress and her cubs here, and moved by compassion, offered his own
flesh to her, a sacrifice that helped pave the way for his eventual rebirth as
the historical Buddha. The stupa is supposed to contain the hunter's bones and
hair.

PALANCHOWK BHAGWATI:

Palanchowk Bhagwati is situated over the hill overlooking
the valley of Panchkhal and 40 km north-east of the Kathmandu
city. This temple
of Palanchowk Bhagwati is
said to have been constructed during the reign of King Man Dev. The temple
houses a 3 feet long beautiful artistic idol of Goddess Bhagwati carved in a
black stone.

PANAUTI:

Panauti is wedged between the Punyamata and Roshi streams.
Panauti forms the shape of a triangle with a serpent (Naga) idol standing at
each of its three corners to protect from floods. Pride of this place goes to
the massive, three-tired Indreshwor Mahadev. Some authorities believe this to
be the original structure that was raised here in 1294 AD, which would make it
the oldest surviving Nepal.
The shrine area at the sacred confluence called the Khware', is one of those
tranquil spots that can way lay a dreamer for hours. The large 'battal', a
favorite hang out for the local pensioners, the collective range of fresco
depicting scenes from Hindu and some Buddhist mythology. Vishnu in cosmic deep,
Rama killing the ten-headed demon-king Ravana and even Krishna
being chased up a tree by a pack of naked Gopis (milkmaids). On the opposite
back stands the recently restored 17th century Brahmayani Mandir.

JANAKPUR:

Janakpur is the great religious place, famous as the birth
place of Sita - the consort of Lord Rama and the heroine of great Hindu epic,
the RAMAYANA. There is an artistic marble temple of Sita (known as Janaki)
which is popularly known as Naulakha Mandir (Means temple built at the cost of
NRs 900,000). Religious festivals, pilgrimages trade fairs and other
festivities are held here on Bivaha Panchami and Ram Navami. One can visit
Janakpur by surface as well as by air, but, except, for small lodges standard
accommodations are not available here. It is at least an overnight trip

BARAHACHETRA:

Barahachetra is a few kilometers away from the main city of Dharan, on the bank of the
River Koshi. Barahachhetra the holy place of Hindu Pilgrimage lies at the
confluence of two rivers the Sapta Koshi and Kokaha. It is the temple of Lord Baraha, the boar incarnation of the
Lord Vishnu. Historians have traced the existence of this image from the 12th
century. This place is accessible by surface and by air via Biratnagar. It will
be two overnight trip. Standard hotels are available in Biratnagar, but not
deluxe.

ANTU DANDA:

Antu Danda is located at an altitude of 1677 m in the 11am
district and is famous for its unique views of Everest and Kanchenjunga.
From here the hills of Darjeeling,
Kurseong and Mink can bee seen. It is the best place for viewing the sunrise
and the sunset. A memorable graveled road is only up to Chhipitar and from here
it requires 4 to 5 hours of walk to reach Antu Danda. To reach this place, one
can go by surface or can fly up to Biratnagar and then drive to this place.
Minimum 2 to 3 nights require to visit this place with camping equipment.

Group Joining Tour - 2016 is open for all Nepal tour and trekking packages organize by Adventure Land Nepal Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd and Nepal Jang Treks and Expedition for Tour, Trekking, Peak Climbing and Expedition.